It’s been a genuinely competitive year for nominations — the kind where the five-slot limit in the acting and directing categories doesn’t just sting, it rewrites the whole story. A few “sure thing” names and buzzy performances ended up on the outside looking in, while several inspired (and frankly delightful) picks made it through.

The snubs that surprised me most
Based on the official nominations, some of the biggest shocks (to me) were missing Best Actor nods for Joel Edgerton (TRAIN DREAMS), Jesse Plemons (BUGONIA), and Paul Mescal (HAMNET). I also didn’t expect Chase Infiniti to miss Best Actress for ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, or Odessa A’zion to miss Supporting Actress for MARTY SUPREME. On the “wait… really?” side: Ariana Grande didn’t make the Supporting Actress lineup for WICKED FOR GOOD, Guillermo del Toro missed Director for FRANKENSTEIN, and Cannes winner Jafar Panahi also missed in Directing — even though his film appeared elsewhere on the ballot.

The surprise nominations I loved
On the brighter side, I’m thrilled for Kate Hudson landing Best Actress for SONG SUNG BLUE. I also cheered for Elle Fanning making Supporting Actress for SENTIMENTAL VALUE, and Delroy Lindo getting Supporting Actor for SINNERS. And yes — I’m thrilled to see SIRĀT show up in the International Feature section.